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Lawrence B.'s newest book, No Sense in Wishing, merges the intimate with the societal in a autobiography that acts as a homage to his hometown. The volume examines the creative and cultural forces that formed his life, intertwining collectively themes of kinship, parenthood, and institutional issues.

A Politicized Lens on the City

The author observes that the city has long been politicized and seen in racial terms. He reflects on his initial writings on law enforcement brutality, prompted by the high-profile case and personal family experiences. Over time, his approach evolved to a more historical viewpoint, analyzing the city's legacy of segregation and redlining.

The city has arguably the worst PR of every city in America.

Burney argues that regardless of societal ills, the city's image is often misrepresented by media coverage. Great art and music arise from Baltimore, yet these contributions often remain overlooked by wider viewers.

Elevating Community Artists

Via his publication True Laurels, Burney aimed to showcase Baltimore artists frequently overlooked by larger media. One significant story involved a musician called the artist, who encountered reportedly police targeting. During Burney's reporting, the cops involved were charged with serious crimes, exposing systemic corruption.

• The situation exemplified discriminatory and class-based policing.
• Burney emphasized that not all Black neighborhoods experience the identical degree of surveillance.

Affective Depth and Personal Insight

The memoir mixes heartbreaking moments with lighthearted ones, reflecting the complex essence of life. The author concentrated on eliciting emotional responses in readers, believing that feeling transcends craft-based proficiency in art.

Burney discussed how artists like the rapper deeply impacted his path, questioning notions of manhood and selfhood.

Vulnerability and Self-Discovery

Reflecting about personal topics—such as going to religious services, childcare, and fatherhood—required significant openness. Burney admitted that addressing his role as a father and the decision to pursue a professional opportunity in a different city was especially difficult.

Writing about these feelings wasn't simple. That chapter likely took me a quarter of a year to even produce a first draft.

International Connections

This memoir additionally covers Burney's journeys to the South African city and Lagos, drawing parallels between his hometown and other worldwide cities. The author proposes that Baltimore acts as a small-scale representation of wider societal dynamics, such as economic tension and ethnic division.

Ultimately, Burney presents Baltimore as a introduction to understanding complicated social structures not just in the U.S., but throughout the global stage.